Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera 41: 70-75,2002 (2009) A newly observed form of symbiotic relationship between Reverdin’s blue Lycaeides argyrognomon praeterinsularis (Verity), (Lycaenidae) and Camponotus japonicus Mayr (Formicidae) MICHIHITO WATANABE Laboratory of Natural Science for Coexistence of Humans and Nature, Kawaguchiko Field Center, 6603 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-ma- chi, Yamanashi-ken, 401-0301 Japan
[email protected] YASUO HAGIWARA Biological Laboratory, College of Arts and Sciences, Showa University, 4562 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi-ken, 403-0005 Japan Abstract. Observations of an individual larva of Reverdin’s blue named O-1, and its tending ants were made in the grassland at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Japan between 29 VIII to 1 X in 2003. During its 3rd to 4th instars, O-1 larva was almost entirely protected from natural enemies by Camponotus japonicus Primary Tending Ants (PTAs) and Secondary Tending Ants (STAs). Prior to pupation, O-1 entered a C. japonicus nest hole with a PTA and three unmarked ants. Many C. japonicus individuals, including the same PTAs and some STAs from the larval stage, as well as newly attending STAs, alternatively accompanied the pupa until emergence. This is a new form of symbiotic relationship between Reverdin’s blue and C. japonicus. In the relationship characterized by what we term “loyalty,” a specific individual of Reverdin’s blue was tended by one or several PTAs, and some STAs, from the 2nd instar to adulthood. Key words: facultative or obligate ant-association, Reverdin’s blue Lycaeides argyrognomon, Camponotus japonicus, new form of symbiotic relationship, ‘loyalty’ system. INTRODUCTION AND METHODS 1 larva or tending ants because the larva quickly resumed its usual activities and the ants returned to tending O-1 The study area is situated at 35º 26´N 138º 49´E, at after cleaning their bodies to remove the new scent.